The aim is to help HMR pathfinders deliver large-scale regeneration programmes spanning different local authorities with challenging housing problems within relatively short periods of time where community engagement is key to their success.

It aims to identify the keys stages of renewal at which pathfinders are engaging with local communities; to set down practical approaches, using experiences from other projects; to propose standards that can be applied to engaging with communities at strategic and decision-making levels. Considerable use is made of the pathfinders own experiences.

HMR pathfinders have a considerable task of restructuring housing markets to meet current and expected future demands. It is crucial that residents are brought into the process at an early stage and their possible involvement defined. Difficult decisions about the future of problematic areas make engaging communities particularly important and challenging.

The study was prepared by the Chartered Institute of House and TPAS, a landlord and tenant group membership organisation. This guide was sponsored jointly by the Department for Communities and Local Government and English Partnerships.

There were visits to and discussions with senior staff in all nine pathfinder areas and follow up material was considered as a result. Focus groups with residents were set up in five pathfinder areas. HMR literature – e.g. policy statements, publicity material, other publications – were reviewed.

Practical examples from other relevant programmes were considered. Informal discussions with the Department, the Audit Commission, some pathfinder chairs, mortgage lenders and other interested organisations took place. The authors applied related existing experience in strategic housing issues, housing renewal, resident participation and housing advice services.

If residents feel a degree of ‘ownership’ and confidence that the programme is working in their interests they are more likely to stay/move into the area. Clear branding and pathfinder generated media can help get messages across. There are many ways to engage with residents in setting their own goals and priorities.

Communications should be readily understandable. Partners need to be clear about their own priorities for engagement with different neighbourhoods. Consistency in messages from the pathfinder and partners is essential. The various routes to building community capacity include stimulating community initiatives and community ownership of ideas and plans.

The Chartered Institute of Housing and TPAS
pubs@cih.org

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/03/2007

The Chartered Institute of Housing and TPAS

research

Urban Policy > Social inclusion & integration > Community development

Capacity building, Citizens' participation